In the Information Technology (IT) industry, acquiring certifications in certain disciplines is just as essential as acquiring a traditional degree.

There are numerous benefits that come from acquiring an IT certification, so whether you are an active or aspiring IT professional, it would behoove you to consider what IT certifications are available and what they can do for you. There are many different types of certifications depending on what type of IT professional you aspire to be. Choosing the right certifications is essential to furthering your career as a professional. One example of an IT certification that can allow you to further your career immediately is the Security+ certification.

Security+ (pronounced “Security-Plus”) is a certification provided by CompTIA which designates that a professional is knowledgeable in the field of security, which is becoming one of the fastest growing fields in the IT sector. This is a certification that you should update every three years through CompTIA in order to make sure that you are on the cutting edge of security technology.

Some of the most relevant job titles for this certification include IA Technician, IA Manager, Network Administrator, Security Consultant and Security Engineer. The CompTIA Security+ certification has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Defense, Hitachi Information Systems, CSC, General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman as the ideal way to indicate that a professional is apt in the right areas of security IT.

The Benefits of Seeking Security+ Certification

Investing in your Future

IT Certifications are an investment in your future. It may seem difficult to outlay capital to prepare for and take an exam, but the certifications will add a necessary layer of accomplishment and capability to your resume.

Most IT employers are looking beyond just a degree in IT. Your certifications will demonstrate that you are putting your knowledge and education into practice and continuing your education beyond your degree.

Increased Earning Power

Certification Magazine held a survey in 2013 to see how people benefited financially from their certifications. In their 2013 Salary Survey, it was found that more than 90 percent of the individuals surveyed possessed at least one certification.

Of these, nearly 50 percent of the individuals surveyed made at least $70,000 per year. 18 percent of those individuals made between $70,000 annually and $100,000 annually, and 28 percent of them made between $100,000 annually and $200,000 annually. Approximately 66% of individuals surveyed reported that they received an annual raise after obtaining a new certification, and so they were attributing the raise to the increase in certifications.

This means that the general consensus is that more certifications lead to an increase in income within the IT field. The survey showed that people who had sought out certifications were also less likely to experience pay decreases in 2013.

Progression of Your Career

Although a degree in an IT-related field is often enough to get your foot in the door of an entry-level position, if your plan is to progress your career beyond the entry level, certifications and further learning is imperative. Even for entry-level positions, possessing the right certifications can mean the difference between being a suitable candidate and being the “right” candidate.

If you want to stand out from the crowd when applying for positions, or trying to move ahead in your current career, certifications are the answer.

Reskilling and Knowledge Development

The IT industry is a fast moving, knowledge-driven industry. You need to stay at the forefront of the industry by constantly improving upon your knowledge base and capabilities. One of the best ways to do this is through certifications.

With the progressive testing engine at Skillset, you will be able to see where you stand before you take a certification exam and track how ready you are. You may find that you possess the skills necessary to test now, otherwise a trackable testing engine will help you to develop those skills and the knowledge required to excel in a certification.

The Security+ certification is just one of many stepping stones to acquiring the career you want, but it’s definitely a growing and useful certification for information security experts and IT managers. Many certifications need to be updated on a regular basis, and by continually testing and receiving these certifications, you can show current and prospective employers that you are the ideal person for the job.

Professional Benefits

There are other types of benefits that come from being a certified professional in IT, not only for the Security+ certification but other types as well. CompTIA and similar Certification providers offer tips and information, training opportunities, online communities, social media and access to a wealth of other professional benefits that you can tap into. As long as your certifications are up to date, there are bound to be a number of benefits for you to take advantage of from the companies providing the certifications to you.

Many people choose not to pursue certifications in their IT careers because they have difficulty weighing the cost against the benefits. Although pursuing IT certifications is an investment, it is one that will absolutely pay off in the future. It is worthwhile for IT professionals to choose the certificates that will most benefit their career, and then seek out relevant prep materials prior to taking the test.

At Skillset offer, we offer some of the best Security+ certification preparation available online, along with preparation for many other IT certifications. Find out more about where you stand in terms of the required skills, figure out if your current knowledge is sufficient for the exam, then prepare accordingly so you can get a Security+ Certification under your belt.

Remember that the only downside to seeking out a certification is the cost, but the cost is directly correlated to an investment in your future. If you want to grow your IT knowledgebase and your career as a result, then seeking out the appropriate IT certifications for your chosen career track is imperative. You will be hard pressed to find certified IT professionals who regret seeking out the certifications.

Check out all of the certification prep tests at Skillset to find out which certifications will best address your career path, as well as what it will take for you to add them to your resume.

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